REMOTE iT!

Remote iT!: Winning with Freelancers by Michael Brooks is a survey for business owners looking to secure and retain the burgeoning market of independent contractors. A number of industries are tapping into the exceptional array of workers operating on their own time and terms remotely. The author highlights a number of benefits to hiring freelancers, including “that they are essentially self-employed and running their own businesses… they have a level of enthusiasm and drive often unmatched in the traditional workforce” and, in many ways, they can assist business-owners to propel “products to market earlier and increase your company’s profitability in many ways.” These workers showcase a variety of skillsets, making them ideal for short-term virtual positions such as designers, writers and developers, assistants, engineers, marketers, and SEO experts. These cover only a few of the many roles available to virtual work, providing both freelancers and business owners with a number of short-term and long-term advantages. These types of contracts afford independent contract workers flexibility in when and where they work. Simultaneously, business-owners experience reduced overhead costs, no longer having to pay for worker-related costs such as insurance and payroll taxes, office space, or infrastructure fees. This structure provides all those involved a healthier working relationship that fosters creativity, intersectionality, and productivity. Brooks shares firsthand knowledge of this model, having employed this structure with a number of freelancers for his expanding global business. Particularly interesting are the insights Brooks offers on remote corporate retreats, 3D virtual meetings, and global currency challenges. The author wraps up his synopsis with relevant, informative case studies, an applicable checklist for new business-owners engaging this structure, and resources to expand on the discussed topics. Apart from the insights this text affords business-owners, freelancers will learn what to expect and how best to perform for their clients to encourage repeat customers and avoid industry pitfalls. Brooks’ section on verifying a freelancer acts as a concise blueprint of materials to prepare in anticipation of a project for independent contractors. Employers and freelancers alike will appreciate the guidance and effectiveness Brooks provides from beginning to end. Brooks’ survey is overflowing with engaging and applicable information great for readers of all backgrounds and levels of experience. His comprehensive overview of a number of relevant areas earns this work a 5-star rating. Michael Brooks’ Remote iT!: Winning with Freelancers is a forward-thinking survey of the infinite options that can unfold when working with independent contractors. Readers will find the discussed themes and additional resources invaluable in expanding and sustaining their business in an ever-growing remote world.